Age-related differences in the specific test on taekwondo players

Abstract

In studies on agility in sports, changes in agility with age have been frequently investigated. It is not precisely known how the taekwondo-specific agility test will changes according to age. This study aimed to identify and compare the specific taekwondo agility abilities of elite taekwondo players in different age groups. Twenty-seven taekwondo players (14 males-13 females) between the ages of 11-15 participated in the study. The players were divided into 2 age groups: 11-12 and 13-15 years old. Each participant completed three tests: The taekwondo-specific agility test (TSAT), Zigzag agility test (ZT) and standing long jump test (SLJ). The anthropometric characteristics were also evaluated. Then, TSAT, ZT, and SLJ tests were performed on the other day. The results indicated that there were significant differences in TSAT, ZT, and SLJ among the age groups. In addition, significant differences in BMI, height, and weight were observed between groups (p ˂ .05). The athletes in the 13-15 age group performed considerably better in the TSAT, ZT, and SLJ tests. The results also indicate that taekwondo players aged 11-12 years can improve their performance more with ZT and TSAT exercises than SLJ exercises.